Writing From a Teeter-Totter. The Ups & Downs of Balancing Writing & Mothering

The Autumn Reading Tag

Autumn lasts only a couple weeks here on the Gulf Coast but maybe that’s why we love it so much. We can drink coffee outside, have a toddy around the grill as we eat jalapeno poppers, wear leggings that reach our ankles, all without sweating! The crisp air is so fleeting, most of our trees are oaks or evergreens so if we want to see a color change we have to go north, or transplant a maple so we can experience a green leaf turning red. I’m not even going to comment on the pumpkin-spice-everything epidemic that began as soon as temperatures dipped into the low 80s. So when writer and book recommender-extraordinaire (seriously, she’s never steered me wrong on a book rec. If you read middle grade, you should follow her blog.) Laura Noakes posted about an Autumn Reading Tag (created by Amy Jane Smith), I couldn’t wait to participate.

Are there any books you plan on reading over the autumn season?

Thirty-eight books are stacked on my desk, waiting to be read. It’s glorious. Of those, I plan on reading GRUNGE GODS AND GRAVEYARDS by Kimberly G. Giarratano, a YA mystery recommended by Writer’s Digest. Ghosts and ’90s grunge music? Sounds like the best of my high school memories. Perfect for an All Hallows Eve read.

I also plan on reading HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD because like Laura said, nothing says fall and winter (especially Christmas!) quite like Harry Potter. And my kids are finally getting into the movies which warms my muggle heart (though my youngest is terrified of Dobby).

Cooler months for some reason allow for nonfiction more than any other season for me, so I’d also like to read A PRIMATE’S MEMOIR by Robert Sapolsky.

September brings back school memories: what book did you most enjoy studying? And what were your favorite and least favorite subjects?

I’ve been exposed to so many good books in school, though I must say my absolute favorite to study was A WRINKLE IN TIME. I didn’t even know books like that existed before then! Favorite subjects: English and zoology, least favorite: any math (hence my degree in English!). Absolute worst was Math in Society. Compounded interest confounded me.

October means Halloween: Do you enjoy scary books and films?

Much to my husband’s chagrin, I can’t handle scary films. I didn’t sleep for a week after watching The Ring. Saw? Nope, I know my limit. Bookwise, I can handle a little scarier–psychologically speaking, not gore. I was on a Dean Koontz kick in high school. Now, I’m worried the wights might be more than I can handle in the movie-version of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, though of course I read the book.

With November, it’s time for bonfire nights. What’s the most exciting book you’ve read that’s kept you gripped?

I cheated. This bonfire, or Circle of Love as my husband’s family calls it, was actually in North Carolina.

Oooh, this is hard so I’ll break it up by age group: MG: Wrinkle in Time series, including all the companion ones like AN ACCEPTABLE TIME YA: I devoured Cassandra Clare’s The Mortal Instruments and The Infernal Devices series, as in, read a 600 page book in two days, also Laini Taylor’s Smoke & Bone trilogy. Adult: my guilty pleasure is Charlaine Harris’ Sookie Stackhouse series (not a fan of HBO’s True Blood. Deviated away from the books too much for me.)

What book is your favorite cozy comfort read?

As much as I like to own books, I don’t usually reread them in their entirety. Mainly, I like being able to dog-ear passages that speak to me and randomly reread those (yes, I’m a dog-earer. Throw your stones!) That said, I have reread Harry Potter and my favorite cozy read is probably Frank L Baum’s OZ series.

Curled up with a good book, what is your hot drink of choice?

Mmmm… Hot Caramel Macchiato. It’s just usually too hot to drink it.

Coffee. Unless it’s late at night, then some honey lavender tea.

Any plans you’re looking forward to in the next few months?

All the Halloween Things!

I appreciate any occasion to dress up. Last year I was Elphaba from Gregory Maguire’s WICKED and the Queen of Hearts.

It’s my favorite holiday, though this year will be the first our family costumes aren’t themed. Kiddos have their own opinions now, so we’ll be Alice and the Mad Hatter, a cowgirl, and Marshall from Paw Patrol.

Then in November, my birthday (!), my daughter’s in December, and then Christmas and all the family and friend festivities that come along with it. I’m also hoping to have revisions on my YA mystery turned in, and it would be The Best if I get good news on any of my manuscripts currently out on submission.

Even though today reached 82 degrees, football’s on and the air conditioner is turned up high. It’s officially Fall. This was a fun post to do so you’re welcome to play along too. Just make sure you tag me so I can read your responses!

Hola friends! I'm a children's book author and wanna-be-farmer. I love cake. I'm also a tiny bit obsessed with all things vintage. I've New Mexico roots with Florida, Washington, Texas, & Maryland branches...leaves have yet to be determined!